Description
The collection contains case files and related materials for the legal defense of Evander Smith, Herbert Donaldson, Elliott
Leighton and Nancy May. They were arrested on January 1, 1965 as a result of police harassment at the Mardi Gras Ball sponsored
by the Council on Religion and the Homosexual.
Background
Evander Smith was a San Francisco lawyer who along with Herbert Donaldson was retained by the Council on Religion and the
Homosexual. The Council organized a Mardi Gras Ball that took place on January 1, 1965 at the California Hall. Anticipating
police harassment, Smith and Donaldson were asked to attend the event in case legal advice was necessary. The police took
photographs of attendees arriving and requested admission to the event on two occasions. The first was to examine whether
the event was in accord with rules regarding liquor; this was standard practice and the police were admitted to ascertain
that the event was in compliance. At a later time, the police asked for admittance again and were denied because they did
not have tickets for the private event and could provide no reason to enter. As a result, four people were arrested: Evander
Smith, Herbert Donaldson, Elliott Leighton and Nancy May.
Extent
1 document case + 1 oversized folder
(0.5 cubic feet)
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Availability
The collection is open for research.